News

Success in off-road bike crackdown

Joint working between Police and Rotherham Council has resulted in a number of off-road motor-cycles and quad bikes being seized.

Following particular issues with nuisance bikes throughout the borough, Area Assemblies in Rotherham funded a number of “Section 171 signs”.

These warning notices can be placed in prominent areas where there is a problem with off-road bikes and give police powers to seize nuisance vehicles without having to issue the rider with a statutory notice.

The issue has been a particular problem in Rotherham West Ward, which covers areas such as Meadowbank and Masbrough. Local councillors for the area who have been pressing for action against the problem now say they have seen great improvements.

Rotherham West Ward Councillor Ian Jones said: "As ward councillors we are delighted that police are able to use these powers to crack down on nuisance bikes."

Fellow Ward Councillor Pat Jarvis added: "We've seen particular problems in our ward and the vehicles are not only a nuisance but have also been putting people's lives at risk, so anything that makes it easier for police to take action is very welcome."

A number of vehicles – including quad bikes and motor cycles thought to have been stolen from other parts of the country – have been seized in recent weeks and several arrests made.

Inspector Dave Struggles of South Yorkshire Police said: "The issue of nuisance and off road vehicles is an ongoing problem and is a regular complaint passed to us. This activity is dangerous, antisocial and irresponsible and negatively affects the quality of life of the community of Rotherham.

"Dedicated patrols are regularly conducted to tackle nuisance off road machines and acting upon information passed from the public we have been able to focus our efforts in the right areas and on those responsible.

"I encourage members of the public to continue to help us by reporting any offences on the 101 number or via the SYP incident reporting web page. The message is clear that South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council will work together to tackle nuisance and off road vehicle use and where appropriate we will take robust action against those responsible."

Rotherham’s Area Assemblies have been involved in a number of initiatives to tackle off-road motorbikes, including the erection of section 171 signs to alleviate the need to issue warning notices to off-road bikers and allowing the Police to go straight to seizure.

Joint operations against off-road motorbikes have also taken place involving Parish Councils as well as Area Assemblies and the Police.

An information leaflet is also being produced to advise the public on how they can report issues experienced with off-road bikes.